SALT LAKE CITY – Former Utah Jazz center Greg Ostertag has a new job — mayor of Mount Vernon, Texas.
The longtime NBA veteran won a narrow race in the town of about 2,500 residents, defeating incumbent Brad Hyman 245 votes to 210.
Ostertag, 53, has lived in Mount Vernon for the past decade and owns the restaurant Tag’s. He entered the race for mayor in February.
A Dallas native, Ostertag attended Duncanville High School in Texas.
Mayor Greg Ostertag had mercurial career with Jazz
The Jazz selected Ostertag with the No. 28 pick in the first round of the 1995 NBA Draft, and he remains one of the most polarizing players in franchise history.
Though he never produced eye-popping statistics, Ostertag anchored the frontcourt on some of the best teams in franchise history.
In 700 games with the Jazz, Ostertag averaged 4.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks, making 318 starts.
The Kansas product drew sharp criticism from Jazz fans after his production dropped significantly following a then-massive six-year, $30 million contract he signed after his sophomore season. He nonetheless remained with the team for the duration of the deal.
After a brief stint in Sacramento, Ostertag returned to the Jazz during the 2005-06 season. He finished his career without ever playing for a team that posted a record below .500.
Despite his uneven play, Ostertag ranks in the top 10 in franchise history in games played (sixth), total rebounds (sixth), and blocks (fourth).
Are you on Instagram? Let’s connect, give us a follow @kslsports .
Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.
Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 2-6pm with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone . Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky.